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Catapulted through the megasphere and bursting through seven light years of existence, FRONT ROW takes us back to the future and Out of This World, hurtling through dimensions of fashion, unnervingly alien but totally real.
Straight down the runway and with undeniable finesse, our probe-less hosts, Doon Mackichan and Maria McErlane, who have been making us laugh since the dawn of time itself and then, for the next three humanoid hours, a little absolutely fabulous but mostly fabulous.

Whilst being entertained, a two piece electronica band are beamed down, Sister Gracie. So in-sync is their performance, one could wonder whether they were once one and now, a product of some industrial fission, splitting them into two elite performers. I wanted to waggle my five arms and nod my two heads, I won’t tell you about the rest.

Francis Fifi’s headwear opens the fashion show. Modernist clean lines and rounded corners, Darth tribal and with murmurations of ancient Eastern head gear but sparkling with futuristic spangle, they reflect the ideas of the future, from the past. Bevali & Isabella Francis, a mother and daughter combo of deadly Power Ranger designers, don’t mess.

Bexhill College take a piece of other worldliness from the escapisms of storytelling and the supernatural. A Maleficent horned female shares the stage with an owl like feathered creation and a fawn with a magnificent train. Mashing and mixing with space age, a white, feathered mini and origami interstellar cloak.

Intergalactic, pink, PVC barbies infiltrate the catwalk from FdA Fashion, Brighton University, scarily plastic, even scarier that they are real. Chunky-monkey, very wearable, over-sized, black, Talking Heads, tops with black knee-pads, bring us almost back to earth. But only almost, before scooping us up and putting us on the ghost train with some cloth woven sceptres.

Dreambolic designers Sam Lewis and Stephanie Hills mess with our tiny human minds by bringing down the borders and fusing the post-war Charleston, flapper dapper with Arabian Nights' silks. And why the devil not, from Zeppelin to magic carpet, in beautifully crafted satin slacks, a particular shooting star for me.

And so this brings us to the Charity Shop Challenge 2015 Awards' super-trooping, funny mongering, talented, old you lot. So supersonically high was the standard, I almost went into orbit. A lady in a sparkling catsuit and an enormous global paper lampshade on her head filled with lights funks up the jam, so Seventies cyber and crazy. I would give up my hover board and cruise to the moon for a disco ball-style afro.

All the entries were prize-worthy, the audience erupted with applause, laughter, shouting, banging their handbags and anything they could find to make some noise of appreciation.

But we cannot skip past the "Supreme Being of Creative Excellence" Award winning entry, Peter Quinnell’s amazatronic splendorama. Dressed in silver thigh length boots, a silver angled moon raking skirt and pronged bra, with a fish bowl helmet and spatula antennae, she looked out of her silver masked head with anticipation and an air of disgruntled frustration, that she had been removed from her planet and forced into the De La Warr. Described by one audience member as “ Betty Crocker meets Barbarella” you had to give her the prize, not only because of its brilliance, but because she would have zapped you with her stingray and thrown you in a black hole, if you didn’t.

Descending on us like a moon landing, the Terence Higgins Trust volunteers took us into planet campalicious, a planet that promotes less is more: less clothes, more fun. A plethora of beautiful bodies expelling dark forces from the nooks of the galaxy promoting one eternal vision of freedom and expression.

After we had all wet our whistles, Rye Studio School students gave us space street wear. (That’s if some of you like a fluorescent bird’s nest collar) Sharp and current, sweat suits with iridescent triangles and large foiled hoods, spiky black shorts and a ruffle collar all had the air of cool.
Even the wedding dress, adorned with multiple straps, was cool.

And then in from the dark, Caragh Jane Logan's eponymous Karma Gedden label appeared, rainbow light up trainers, fibre optic headwear, glo body paint, somewhere in the multiverse a free party was missing its ravers. Luckily, they had landed on Bexhill Galactica and danced their wares away.

Colonising the stage like alien micro-organisms, Hastings Contemporary Dance School were exploring the space as if it was a lost planet, behaving separately, reacting collectively, creeping and bending, along the run way. They looked scared and alien and moved in a cross between gymnastics and dance. Other than an outpouring of talent and skill, it was a highly emotional performance and was nothing less than superb.

So now, Freya von Bulow, self described as “good with scissors”, that has to be an understatement of seismic proportions. Paper Couture that is haute couture. The volume of the dresses, built up by layers of paper and netting, is phenomenal. Each dress, all in white, contained finite cutting and shredding, producing binary, ghostly brides, beautiful and frightening.

Bringing us back down to Earth, only to be shot straight back out of our human canons into the stratosphere, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, ramp up the energy, in a collection of sassy leopard prints, tartan suits and straps and zips and some more zips, not forgetting some bad ass PVC and a gothic ruffle. The Sputnik was thrown into orbit and ended the show with a bang, bang, bang. Bravo.

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FRONT ROW is proud to present a stunning performance art piece to be showcased at this year's FRONT ROW Fashion Show this Saturday, 21st November in the Foyer of the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea.

ANTISPACE
is an ‘action installation’ designed for the public spaces at this iconic 1930s building and sets the tone for this year's event theme "Out Of This World". Including live performances by Non Blank and
Amma Dance Theatre and showcasing stunning bespoke, one-off apparel and
accessories by WEAR ART.

ANTISPACE is
the creation of artist Marie-Louise Miller; a 3D animated drawing inspired by
lo-fi/hi-fi visions of the future, virtual reality and the invisible web of
information explored in 1980’s cyberpunk science fiction, especially the novels
of William Gibson. ANTISPACE violates
the norms and conventions of spaces. A
troupe of Intergalactic Hostesses guide us through ANTISPACE modelling pieces
from the URBAN DRIFTING bespoke collection of unique silk scarves by WEAR ART accessorising
dresses created by students at Sussex Coast College Hastings where Marie-Louise
is a visiting lecturer on FDA Fashion. Amelia Forrest & Marion Geisler of Amma Dance Theatre appear otherworldly
in one-off commissioned pieces created by Tara Deighton Bridal & Bespoke. These
stunning bespoke pieces are expertly conceived from a single monumental digital
drawing on 100% silk crepe de chine by WEAR ART which formed part of DIGITAL
MAYHEM 0I a digitally designed mural 1.3m high and 12m wide exploring
and exploiting pixelation and the colour content of each digital unit. Non
Blank echoes Marie-Louise’s visions in sound. Their semi-improvised vocals, organic
analogue and digital instruments complement the concept of ANTISPACE. The
site-specific installation is constructed using “paper stixx” made entirely
from recycled newspaper providing a fitting setting for a show of compassion
fashion. Marie-Louise uses the “paper stixx” to convey marks on paper working
with the remnants of print colour and type, now disjointed as if pixelated.

Marie-Louise
Miller is an artist and designer based in St Leonards on Sea. WEAR ART is a
digital extension of her fine art practice in ready to wear form. Always
excited to work in collaboration with artists, designers and creators; finding
synergy of practice with those for whom the making is fundamental to their
creative process. ANTISPACE was conceived as a collaborative monumental drawing
animated by music and movement.

Non Blank
perform semi-improvised suites of music based on recordings, schemes and
strategies made and devised in and around various locations, collections, and
libraries of sounds.

Darren
Morris, initially spawned from London’s improvised music scene, is a seasoned
performer, composer and producer. Recent projects include the soundtrack to the
Sundance premiered ﬁlm ‘We Are What We Are’ and pre-production of the
internationally performed ‘Massive Attack v Adam Curtis’.

Riz Maslen is
well known for her long list of recordings and projects under the Neotropic
moniker while Ollie Cherer has been trading for the last decade under musical
alias, Dollboy. Along with Darren Morris on keyboard instruments and Jack
Hayter on steel guitar and viola, they come together as Non Blank using old
tape machines, organic, analogue and digital instruments and voices to
improvise around and react to each venue they play in.

Over the
summer of 2014, Oliver Cherer and Riz Maslen were in residence at the De La
Warr Pavilion, in both public and private spaces, exploring the sonic
possibilities that the architecture had to offer. Other recent shows with the
Non Blank line-up at various venues, including the Union Chapel, H20 Finland,
and The Brunel Tunnel, have included spontaneous compositions involving church
organs, a male voice choir, and audience members and school children armed with
hand bells and bloogle resonators.

Marion
Geisler and Amelia Forrest both started their dance training in classical
ballet. Amelia finished her schooling at The Bejart Ballet School, whilst
Marion went on to Trinity Laban Conservatoire where she received her degree in
contemporary dance. In parallel she started working with Jean-Philippe Guilois,
choreographer of Cie Ex’Torsions who she still works regularly with. After her
training, Amelia continued on to Poland to join The Baltic Dance Theatre, being
promoted to soloist in her second year. Marion has worked with various artists
in Switzerland, England and Russia. Amelia has worked with choreographers such
as Jiri Kylian, Patrick Delcroix and Izadora Weiss. Both young female artists
wanted to explore more playful, diverse, and collaborative work. They met on a
project for Levantes Dance Theatre and besides continuing to freelance as
dancers they have decided to embark on a journey of research and mindfulness
together. They found Amma Dance Theatre in August 2015, hoping to create dance
theatre work that enrich people's understanding and lives.

ANTISPACE will be performed Saturday, 21st November 2015 in the foyer of the De La Warr Pavilion

before the fashion show at 7.20pm - 7.40pm

and during the inverval at 8.50pm - 9.10pm

Tickets to see their performance and the show can be obtained directly from the DLWP Boxoffice

"This collection for the FRONT ROW Fashion Show has been one of the most
challenging yet, because we wanted to make all the hats out of recycled materials.
Finding good quality felt hats to re-block has been a challenging task and we
have had to use a lot of ingenuity to create the designs we set out to make. We
have resorted to using old sequin curtains taking them apart and then stitching
the sequins by hand and pulling apart old jewellery for the bead work. Fabric
has been gleaned from clothes purchased in second hand shops too. Sourcing
materials has been our biggest headache and has also changed the direction of
our designs.

A very positive developement has been a new label for the Francis Fifi range
and we have added the Francis Fifi Revamp range to our Fifi and Hair Clutter
labels. The Revamp label will let customers know that the hat they are buying
is unique and totally recycled so there will never be another hat the same. All
the imperfections in the materials used add to the unique quality of the designs.

The influence for our designs this year have come from Science Fiction B movies, serialist art and the 1960s take on modernism."

We are proud to announce that this brilliant mother-daughter designer collaboration and their futuristic collection of head gear will be opening the Fashion Show this year, which takes place on Saturday, 21st November 2015 at the iconic De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea. Tickets are on sale now, click below to secure yours.

We at FRONT ROW are very excited to be featuring Electro hot Newcomer band

SISTER GRACIE

at our Fashion Show & Performance Art Event on Saturday, 21st November at the iconic De La Warr Pavilion this year. This eclectic duo comprising of childhood friends Max Walker & James Latto comes highly recommended by
Rough Trade and their performance will be the perfect introduction to
our "out of this world' catwalk show. "The (London-based) pair create a seamless high
energy blend that balances both the dark and euphoric. Explaining how the
project started Max states,

“Unknown to me, James was mixing my
records together and played me the result. I was completely sold. We have
always been strong believers in the live show being better and different to the
record. That’s when I decided to write a record that could be adapted,
dismantled and built back up for a completely different live experience.”

FRONT ROW is very lucky to catch them just in time for their first EP release "Animal".

This body of work
showcases a sound inspired by the new romantic style of old but with a strong
sense of modernism propelling it forward, and is highlighted by Walker's rich
baritone vocal reminiscent of Ian Curtis or Scott Walker. From the dark pulsing opener of
‘Bones’ through to the anthemic ‘Fires’ and hazy atmospheric closer ‘Animal,’
the EP provides an accomplished introduction to Sister Gracie.

“Whirring synths, funk rhythms and
hand-claps all come together to form the super catchy Sister Gracie” Time Out"

In the run up to the FRONT ROW Fashion Show and Performance Art event we are taking an exclusive insight into our designers' work, starting with

Karma Gedden: edgy rebellious chic

(interview by Bevali Francis)

Karma Gedden is a new and exciting fashion label being
launched this year by Caragh Jane Logan. Caragh, a resident of Hastings,
has been busy the last ten years singing and song writing. She studied
textiles at university and, having always been interested in fashion,
she wanted to rekindle her passion for design and so, dipped her toe in
the water by showing and selling some of her work at The Brighton
Designers’ Market last year. Enjoying this experience she decided to
create her very British eccentric brand, the wonderfully named, Karma
Gedden.

Caragh has already made her first collection for the label and has been busy shooting stylish photos of the finished clothes.
“I make clothes that are individual, luxurious and chic”, Caragh
explains. “I don’t follow fashion trends, I make things that are fresh
and exciting. Each one of my designs is unique because of the way I work
and the materials I use. I like to deconstruct everyday things such as
rubber, silicon cable and plastics and then re-construct them into
something unexpected. It is often the feel and the look of a material
that informs my design choice.”
Her creative song writing background also helps create her design
ideas. As a natural storyteller, her ideas are often conceived in a
story form, thinking through a whole concept in a dream-like sequence
where her ideas evolve. For her latest designs, she has taken the
traditionally male tie and turned it into clothes that move beautifully
around the body. Caragh likes the way the tie gravitates towards the
ground and has made clothes that sculpt around and complement the body.
She also uses the ties because she loves the way the patterns and
colours blend together, creating an artistic colour scheme.
“Using a tie in this way”, she says “feels anti-establishment. My
work is very sculptural and each piece is individual. I want to sell
this range in shops known for their design integrity and quality. I
would like to supply Harvey Nichols and Selfridges in the future.”

You can also order directly from her and she will use your colour
palette requirements to make you an original Karma Gedden garment.
As well as spending lots of time developing a website to create an
online presence for Karma Gedden, Caragh is buzzing about her next
project, which will be to make an eight piece collection for this years
Front Row Fashion Show at the De La Warr Pavilion in November.

“Without giving too much away, my collection has the title Circus Of The Mind and I can’t wait. I am planning a theatrical catwalk show and I am really excited about it.”

We
at FRONT ROW are delighted to announce that for the second time in our front row history we will be holding a

FRONT ROW FASHION FAIR

at the iconic

De La Warr Pavilion

Bexhill

on

Sunday, 22nd November 2015

following the FRONT ROW Fashion Show & Performance Art event the night before. This year we are acutally taking over this amazing location for a whole exciting weekend!

The Fashion Fair will be a gigantic showcase of designer, vintage, pre-loved, handmade and customized fashion with a total of over 25 stalls, entertainment, projections, vintage car disply, micro fashionshow and live music.Entry is £2 until noon and £1 thereafter. Doors open 11am.Children go free.If you are a performer or interested in running a stall, please get in touch with us at info@thisisfrontrow.comSee you all there for a beautiful bargain.

A big thanks to all of you for being so patient with us .... finally we can confirm the official VIP Ticket Sale Outlets:

We will add an online ticket platform button on Saturday morning to this post so all our esteemed guest who come from afar will be able to buy their VIP ticket. If you live locally we urge you to get your ticket in one of our participating outlets as online tickets are VERY LIMITED and once you managed to grab a VIP ticket you are most welcome to

*browse for our summer wardrobe at

Who's Wearing What, London Rd, St. Leonards

*have the best coffee and home made custard creams at

Bullet Coffee Lounge, Robertson St, Hastings Town Centre or

*grab a pint of chips & a delicious Hefeweizen beer at

The Crown Pub, All Saints Street, Hastings Old Town

We thank Rebecca, Jean, Vicki and Tess for so generously helping us with the ticket sales and to raise the deposit we need to make FRONT ROW happen!

As your all know we always launch our FRONT ROW Fashion Show 2015 VIP tickets a few months prior to the actual event in November to raise the deposit we need to secure the De la Warr Pavilion as our fabulous location for our fashion & performance art extravaganza. There is only a limited amount of these VIP beauties available and the SALE is a one day only event on

Saturday, 6th June

VIP ticket sale venue is still secret but keep on checking our FB page front row south coast or this website for an update nearer the time. Please note that these special tickets can only be bought on this ONE DAY and once they are gone, they are gone so please pencil this date into your diaries.

As there are still 2 weeks to go until the VIP ticket sale we thought we'd give you a little teaser image of what these beauties will look like ... you know you want one!

VIP tickets are £25.00 each and entitle the holder to preferential VIP front row seating & treatment on the night of the Fashion Show & Performance Art event on Saturday, 21st November as well as an exciting goodie bag, a glass of bubbly, access to the Aftershow party and reduced £1.00 entry to the Fashion Fair we hold the day after the fashion show on Sunday, 22nd November at the De La Warr Pavilion.

Get your VIP ticket and feel a Million Dollars at the most fabulous fashion event of the South East!

If you - for some unknown reason - happen to miss out on the VIP tickets, general tickets for this event will go on sale in September directly through the De La Warr Pavilion website.

I know you all have been waiting for it, so the coveted VIP ticket launch sale is finally (almost) here. We always release a limited number of preferential FRONT ROW Fashion Show tickets to raise money for the deposit we need to secure the venue, so this has been a very important step along the way to the event each year and the FRONT ROW team would again like to thank everyone who has been so loyally supporting us in the past years!

Ladies and Gentlemen ...

As it says ... if you manage to get your hands on one of these beauties you can consider yourself lucky indeed as you will be entitled to preferential front row seating on the night of the event as well as treated like royalty at our pre-show reception where you will be mingling with other very important persons, a glass of sparkling wine in your hand and walk away with an amazing goodie bag. A VIP ticket also entitles you to free acces to our Aftershow Party where you will dance the night away with hot tunes spun by a top DJ. Please make sure you keep hold of your VIP ticket as it also means reduced entry price to our fabulous Fashion Fair which takes place the day after on Sunday, 22nd November in the large auditorium of the De La Warr Pavilion with 26 stalls of the finest vintage and second hand clothes, shoes and accessories on offer.

These tickets will be on Sale Saturday, 6th June at a venue yet to be announced so keep on checking the website as well as our Facebook Page 'front row south coast'.

We don't know about you, but WE CAN'T WAIT!

The FRONT ROW 'Compassion' Fashion Show 2015 will be epic with 10 Designers confirmed so far, performance art, music, art performances and installations throughout the whole of the De La Warr Pavilion on Saturday, 21st November and the Fashion Fair Sunday, 22nd November. We will truly be going 'Out of this World'.

It truly is a wardrobe institution no matter what age or gender and can be worn in a casual as well as sophisticated way, one can work it at any occasion and it can be teamed up with almost any other garment. Absolute genius.

Casual with various coloured denim

Or just add a dash of sequins to make it glam

And - seriously - who can resist a man sporting one ... = instant hotness

But the best about this simple little invention is its endless customizing possibilities.

And the life cycle of the great white T goes on and on ... so next time you believe that one of your white T-shirts has had it, try to make something else out of it!

And have a little fun.

PS. Unfortunately, it is very hard to find a second hand plain white T so next time you treat yourself to a new one, please make sure it was ethically produced.